FRIDAY, APR IL 5, 20 1 9
Urban
Renewal
AMBER GILLETTE/THE HOYA
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THE HOYA
Contributing Editors
Elizabeth Alarcon, Susanna Blount, Suna Cha, Katherine DeMatteo, Sarah Donofrio, Chau Le, Victoria Lei, Timothy McNulty, Eloise Owen
Photographers
Julia Alvey, Margaret Fouberg, Amber Gillette, Anna Kovacevich
Models
Alexandra Brunjes, Naomi Dukaye, Odunayo Durojaye, Alexandra Rivera, Jenny Xu
Clothiers
Tribute, Lady Farmer, Current Boutique, Ella-Rue, Outdoor Voices
Venue
Cady’s Alley
Makeup Artist
Dalila Cuevas Rodriguez
Editor-in-Chief
Maya Gandhi
Issue Editors
Kiera Geraghty Faris Bseiso
Managing Editor
Catriona Kendall
Design Editor
Emily Shambaugh
Photo Editor
Amber Gillette
Margaret Fouberg/The Hoya
About the Issue
Peppered across Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, seemingly endless rows of storefronts tempt passersby. These stores offer an overwhelming selection of stylish choices for building your personal look. When making these decisions, though, the importance of the aesthetic can often lead us to overlook the process of how those clothes came to be. This spring, The Guide chose stores that care about style and sustainability, which can manifest in a number of ways. From stores with vintage, upcycled options and eco-friendly fabrics to boutiques that promise ethical production, they all prove that making conscious fashion choices does not require sacrificing eye-catching personal aesthetics.
THE HOYA
On Alexandra B.: Ribbon in Plain Sight dress ($58.95) from Current Boutique On Jenny: Maia dress ($225) from Lady Farmer On Naomi: Armando Takeda cargo skirt ($210), Corrider t-shirt ($44), Caralarga Erizo blue earrings ($85) from Tribute Anna Kovacevich/The Hoya
On Alexandra B.: Wrap of the World dress ($75.95) from Current Boutique On Naomi: Siizu trench coat dress ($170), Aurelia Ladrillo bag ($490), Erizo blue earrings ($85) from Tribute Amber Gillette/The Hoya
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THE HOYA
On Naomi: Siizu trench coat dress ($170), Aurelia Ladrillo bag ($490), Caralarga Erizo blue earrings ($85) from Tribute On Alexandra B.: Wrap of the World dress ($75.95) from Current Boutique Amber Gillette/The Hoya
Tribute Tribute, nestled in the heart of U Street-Cardozo, tackles both fashion and ethics. Selling simple yet stylish clothing, accessories and homeware, the shop also commits itself to transparent sourcing and manufacturing. Joelle Firzli, CEO of Tribute, is also a co-founder of the D.C. Sustainable Fashion Collective, a community-based organization created to address the concerns of textile waste, as well as ethical employment practices in the fashion industry. In addition to retail, Tribute aims to create a space for cultural expression and community building through programs like dinner discussions, movie nights and book club meetings. Tribute’s style cannot be defined by one category because the shop stays dedicated to its values and its relationships with artisans rather than focusing on a particular theme that follows aesthetic trends. Each piece of clothing carries at least two of its seven values, which include social impact and eco-friendliness. Tribute wants its customers to feel they have ownership over their fashion decisions — making their style about why and how they wear their clothing, and not about the clothes themselves.
THE HOYA
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On Naomi: Siizu trench coat dress ($170) and vintage beaded purse ($60) from Tribute Julia Alvey/The Hoya
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THE HOYA
On Jenny: Maia dress ($225) from Lady Farmer, vintage beaded purse ($60) from Tribute Anna Kovacevich/The Hoya
Lady Farmer Feminist power meets sustainable fashion at Lady Farmer, founded in 2016 by Mary and Emma Kingsley, who are passionate about establishing meaningful connections with nature. Lady Farmer is an online community that pitches itself as a functional, fashionable and sustainable brand reflecting an intentionally simple lifestyle. Its essential collection is described as “slow living,” which reflects the limits of labor and material available and includes cozy overalls, sleek pants and flowy dresses.
On Alexandra R.: Persephone dress ($225) from Lady Farmer
Lady Farmer is distinct because of its variety of products. The brand features not only cute pieces in apparel and accessories, but also home and garden items such as handmade beeswax candles and essential oil bug spray, as well as skin products such as soap, moisturizers and balms. Another section of its shop is dedicated to “zero waste.” Lady Farmer ensures that its cause for sustainability is both vocalized and accomplished. As such, 1 percent of its annual sales are donated to environmental nonprofits.
Margaret Fouberg/The Hoya
THE HOYA
On Alexandra R.: Persephone dress ($225) from Lady Farmer On Odunayo: Cold Brew khaki crop top ($35.95), Cold Brew khaki pants ($59.95) from Current Boutique Julia Alvey/The Hoya
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THE HOYA
On Odunayo: Cold brew khaki crop top ($35.95), Cold Brew khaki pants ($59.95) from Current Boutique Julia Alvey/The Hoya
Current Boutique Current Boutique seeks to redefine thrifting, branding itself as modern consignment. The store, which has been highlighted by the D.C. Sustainable Fashion Collective, has several locations in the Washington, D.C.Maryland-Virginia area, including Logan Circle. Current Boutique takes in clothes and resells them to new owners in an inviting and comforting environment. Founded by Carmen Lopez in 2007, Current Boutique helps women keep up with the constant demands for new outfits while avoiding the cost and waste that comes with stocking a closet full of designer brands. Current Boutique’s business model relies on the idea that an outfit does not have to be worn just once. The store carries out this vision by upcycling pieces, extending the life of clothes and preventing unnecessary purchases through consignment. Their latest in-store collection features cotton and other natural fibers that are environmentally sustainable while maintaining the fashionable aesthetic that has kept customers coming to Current Boutique for over a decade.
THE HOYA
On Alexandra B.: Ribbon in Plain Sight dress ($58.95) from Current Boutique On Odunayo: Love Shack Fancy dress ($395) from Ella-Rue Amber Gillette/The Hoya
On Alexandra B.: Wrap of the World dress ($75.95) from Current Boutique, purse ($75) from Ella-Rue Amber Gillette/The Hoya
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THE HOYA
Ella-Rue A stone’s throw away from Wisconsin Avenue, Ella-Rue proudly stands as a consignment boutique catering to high-end styles, meeting the perfect balance between ready-to-wear and luxury label. The sisters behind Ella-Rue, Alexa and Krista Johnson, push for gently used items as the hallmark of their brand. EllaRue is most known for its vintage items from designer labels like Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Fendi and Marc Jacobs. Vintage has traditionally been the most sustainable way to wear fashion. As thrifting becomes trendier, shops like Ella-Rue thrive in selling secondhand clothing. Customers can also exchange their old clothes at Ella-Rue for part of the profit once they are sold. Although pricier than thrift shops, Ella-Rue satisfies with its savvy, sophisticated and refined style. The boutique offers a great way to snag designer items in your closet without sacrificing your wallet.
On Odunayo: Love Shack Fancy dress ($395) from Ella-Rue Amber Gillette/The Hoya
On Alexandra R.: Ralph Lauren Collection top ($70), James Jeans ($190) from Ella-Rue Margaret Fouberg/The Hoya
THE HOYA
On Jenny: EcoMesh tank top ($45), Hudson shorts ($55) from Outdoor Voices On Alexandra B.: Ribbon in Plain Sight dress ($58.95) from Current Boutique, Aurelia Ladrillo bag ($490) from Tribute Amber Gillette/The Hoya
Outdoor Voices Located on 3025 M St. NW, Outdoor Voices not only offers eco-friendly clothing but also forms a vital part of its customers’ active lives. Through the store’s #DoingThings initiative, customers can share the adventures they take while with their Outdoor Voices athletic wear. Outdoor Voices also hosts events across Washington, D.C., that similarly bring likeminded customers together. Outdoor Voices make its EcoMesh line out of 100 percent recycled polyester, and many of their other lines also use sustainable materials and fabrication. Understanding students’ financial situation — needing cute clothes on a budget — Outdoor Voices offers a student discount with a valid student ID. Combining high-quality clothing, sustainable fabrics and undeniable style, Outdoor Voices makes sure its customers will look their best while putting their active lifestyles first.
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AMBER GILLETTE/THE HOYA